06.05.09: Budget Conference Committee Discusses Issues: Takes No Substantive Action
by Aileen Dalen
Last night the Budget Conference Committee met to further discuss K-12 education cuts. The primary topics were the May 29th proposal for a further reduction to the revenue limit in both current and budget year, as well as a 65% cut for home-to-school transportation.
While discussing revenue limit, a member of the Conference Committee proposed consideration of cuts to basic aid districts in addition to cuts that are already being taken by such districts. The Committee also discussed further cuts to county offices of education. While taking no action, this is the first time the Budget Conference Committee has raised county office of education and basic aid district funding.
I have been told that the further basic aid cuts had been proposed by representatives of basic aid districts.
The Budget Conference Committee discussed repealing AB 1419 the contracting out provision. The Department of Finance representative stated that this repeal proposal was primarily intended to assist small school districts.
Finally, the Budget Conference Committee discussed additional flexibility issues including suspension and/ or repeal of some state mandates. While there was no specific action, additional flexibility appears to be an area that the Budget Conference Committee is willing to consider.
We will update on further actions the Budget Conference Committee takes as they occur.
